Pakistan, IMF discuss budget, reforms as talks focus on stability and growth agenda

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance minister on Wednesday briefed a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission on the country’s macroeconomic outlook, fiscal strategy and ongoing reform agenda, with both sides discussing preparations for the upcoming federal budget and efforts to sustain economic stability.

The talks between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the IMF delegation focused on macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal and external sustainability, and structural reforms aimed at supporting investment and export-led growth, according to an official statement.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance said that discussions also covered maintaining reform momentum, strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving competitiveness through productivity gains and deregulation.

Focus on budget preparations and external sector performance

Aurangzeb highlighted recent improvements in Pakistan’s external sector, including positive trends in remittances and export performance, noting month-on-month and year-on-year growth in exports.

He said the government remained focused on addressing structural economic challenges, particularly external financing pressures, and reiterated its commitment to reforms aimed at avoiding recurring economic cycles.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Briefs Visiting IMF Mission

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today briefed the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission on Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, fiscal strategy, reform… pic.twitter.com/n3x8iY6sfz

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) May 13, 2026

The finance minister stressed that the reform programme was designed to support long-term transformation rather than short-term stabilisation, and was aimed at strengthening export-led growth and economic resilience.

IMF acknowledges progress, stresses reform continuity

The IMF mission, led by Mission Chief Iva Petrova, acknowledged progress made by Pakistan in maintaining macroeconomic stability despite global economic challenges.

The fund appreciated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and reform implementation, according to the statement.

Both sides agreed on the importance of sustaining reforms, maintaining fiscal discipline and advancing structural changes to support durable and inclusive growth.

Broader economic cooperation and policy coordination

The finance minister also briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s engagement with international development partners, including ongoing economic cooperation with China and efforts to attract long-term investment aligned with national priorities.

The IMF team reiterated its commitment to continued engagement and support for Pakistan’s reform programme and long-term economic resilience.

The meeting was also attended by State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal, and Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, along with senior officials from the finance and revenue divisions.